Welcome to country ceremonies to go ahead at Women’s State of Origin and NRL’s Magic Round

Welcome to country ceremonies will be held as planned before both Thursday’s Women’s State of Origin clash and the men’s Magic Round, which gets under way on Friday, as the NRL remains committed to its Reconciliation Action Plan despite the politicisation of the practice. The NRL confirmed on Tuesday morning their existing policy to include a welcome to country at major events would continue, including the two occasions already scheduled for this week. “We will continue with our usual practices which includes a welcome to country for Women’s State of Origin and the beginning of Magic Round,” the league said. Rugby Australia confirmed a live welcome to country will feature at all home Wallabies Tests this year and Football Australia committed to continue holding the ceremonies. Officials hope a crowd in excess of 30,000 will be at Suncorp Stadium for Thursday night’s first game of the Women’s State of Origin series, and even more people are expected for the three days of Magic Round starting on Friday.